Civic chiefs plan to replace Winchester pub with new community centre

WINCHESTER civic chiefs are hoping to buy a former pub and bulldoze it to make way for a new community centre, the Hampshire Chronicle can reveal.

The city council last week put in a bid for the New Queen’s Head in Stanmore Lane which had a price tag of £1m.

Bargate Homes had twice been refused planning permission to demolish the pub and build houses as well as a convenience store.

Now the council wants to move the Carroll Centre, Community Centre and Scout Hut in Somers Close to a new building on the cleared plot.

Proposals for the new “community and leisure hub” include a five-court sports hall and 80-space car park.

If successful, it is proposed to build about 30 new homes on council land adjacent to the pub freed-up by relocating The Carroll Centre and two other buildings.

The hub will form a central part of a long-term regeneration scheme for Stanmore which is among the 30 per cent poorest neighbourhoods in the country.

The city council paid planning firm Broadway Malyan £20,000 to prepare a framework to guide development over the next 10-15 years.

Aims included improving life for locals, such as more affordable housing, better roads and community facilities.

The Chronicle obtained a copy of the consultants’ planning framework or “emerging vision” presented to councillors behind closed doors two weeks ago. Cabinet has to approve a report before it goes out to public consultation in April.

The consultants identified potential sites for 413 homes in Stanmore, including 30 at Somers Close if the Carroll Centre, Community Centre and Scouts Hut move.

But it would mean demolishing some 77 homes to make way for more council dwellings, loss of open space and some allotments.

Other proposals include revamped play areas, upgraded open space, improved sports pitches, new footpaths, a nature walk and extra parking.

Councillor Ian Tait, portfolio holder for new homes delivery, declined to say how much the council bid for the New Queens Head, owned by Enterprise Inns, but said it was “not vastly under” £1m. The funding will come from a pot of money for new council homes.

Cllr Tait stressed the proposals were still at “embryonic state” and he was aware Stanmore was already short of public open space, so housing numbers could be lower.

He said most of the proposed new dwellings would be council homes.

The Carroll Centre opened in 1993 after fundraising by the local community to provide more services for young people.

It was revamped last year to accommodate Stanmore Library which relocated from Wavell Way following county council cuts.

The Carroll Centre also houses a Sure Start children’s centre, Jobs Club and afterschool club.

The Community Centre opened in 1978 and is also used by local groups, including a senior citizens’ Rainbow Club although it is in need of refurbishment.

Cllr Jamie Scott, who represents St Luke ward, chaired a steering group for Stanmore Masterplan which also includes Rev Mark Gardner, vicar of St Luke’s church and a trustee of the Carroll Centre.

Mr Scott said a new community centre in Stanmore Lane would be more visible and encourage greater use of facilities, including the library.

He described the proposals as “exciting” but said locals would have to weigh up the pros and cons.

Mr Scott said: “People don’t like change and there is a lot of attachment to the Carroll Centre, Community Centre and Scout Hut. But a lot of families would like to see more council houses for their youngsters so they can stay in the area where they have grown up.”

Rev Mike Gardner welcomed the proposed move to the former pub site. He said: “I think it is a very positive option for the whole community as there would be easier access, a better location and improved facilities.”

Sheelagh Evans, executive secretary of the 8th Winchester Scout Group which uses the Scout Hut, sounded a note of caution. She said: “The 8th is a very active and growing group and has enjoyed much success in district and county competitions.

“However because of the nature of scouting activities traditionally scouts operate from their own premises. We will need to consider the implications carefully.”

Comments

wheresthemoneygone
12:50pm Fri 1 Mar 13

I wondered how long if would be before the council got its hands on Stanmore playing field.This has already been encroached upon by the Carroll Centre. The report does not say whether they're planning to build houses on it - if so that is an utter disgrace and should be fought against tooth and nail. The children need that space, they can't speak for themselves and they need the residents of Stanmore to stand up for them.

More homes can be built elsewhere.While this might be good for the 'local community' and landlords for more student accommodation, I can't see how the council are going to support the increase this population increase by developing the infrastructure. To me it seems like simply more jobs and cheap cash for their builder chums promoted by careerist politicians - In reality disregarding actual sensible local requirements and needs.

What about some more building in the posher or more middle class parts of Winchester, like Oliver's Battery, where most of the politicians live and improve the communities there?

I wondered how long if would be before the council got its hands on Stanmore playing field.This has already been encroached upon by the Carroll Centre. The report does not say whether they're planning to build houses on it - if so that is an utter disgrace and should be fought against tooth and nail. The children need that space, they can't speak for themselves and they need the residents of Stanmore to stand up for them.
More homes can be built elsewhere.While this might be good for the 'local community' and landlords for more student accommodation, I can't see how the council are going to support the increase this population increase by developing the infrastructure. To me it seems like simply more jobs and cheap cash for their builder chums promoted by careerist politicians - In reality disregarding actual sensible local requirements and needs.
What about some more building in the posher or more middle class parts of Winchester, like Oliver's Battery, where most of the politicians live and improve the communities there?wheresthemoneygone

I wondered how long if would be before the council got its hands on Stanmore playing field.This has already been encroached upon by the Carroll Centre. The report does not say whether they're planning to build houses on it - if so that is an utter disgrace and should be fought against tooth and nail. The children need that space, they can't speak for themselves and they need the residents of Stanmore to stand up for them.

More homes can be built elsewhere.While this might be good for the 'local community' and landlords for more student accommodation, I can't see how the council are going to support the increase this population increase by developing the infrastructure. To me it seems like simply more jobs and cheap cash for their builder chums promoted by careerist politicians - In reality disregarding actual sensible local requirements and needs.

What about some more building in the posher or more middle class parts of Winchester, like Oliver's Battery, where most of the politicians live and improve the communities there?

Score: 0

Winchester73
8:21pm Sun 3 Mar 13

I was in Sainsburys shopping when my eye fell on the article in the Hampshire Chronicle regarding the Carroll Centre. I don't know the Centre, so I went to have a look at it. I saw that it has a good sized amenity plot next to it with football pitch and table tennis. I could see it must be great for children. I saw someone being pushed across the green in a wheel chair and at the same time walking a dog. I then went to look at the The Queen's Head site. I've re-read the article and I think it must mean that the council owned land freed up by the Carroll Centre will provide 30 new homes and not council owned land next to the Queens Head. I Please correct me if I'm wrong. The article doesn't make clear how much of the land adjacent to the Carroll Centre would be taken for new housing. Certainly it seems unlikely that the present Centre as it is, plus the Scouts hut, plus as it states, 5 court sports hall, 80 place car park and all that the Carroll Centre presently offers could fit into the Queen's Head site! Further, I see that it is proposed that houses in other areas of Stanmore be pulled down to erect new ones to in-fill more space and provide more housing/ I myself live in Lower Stanmore and see that the proposed areas are Cromwell Road, Kings Walk, Stanmore Lane. This is the oldest part of Stanmore and has an architectural identity which will be destroyed if houses are to be pulled down and new building put it in their place. Mr Scott says people don't like change. People do like change if it is for the better. Mr. Scott also says that this new building will give a chance for Stanmore's young to stay in the area. All I can is "if only." With a very large waiting list for social housing in Winchester and the present benefit caps, I think it might be very difficult to think about housing future children of present Stanmore occupants.

I was in Sainsburys shopping when my eye fell on the article in the Hampshire Chronicle regarding the Carroll Centre. I don't know the Centre, so I went to have a look at it. I saw that it has a good sized amenity plot next to it with football pitch and table tennis. I could see it must be great for children. I saw someone being pushed across the green in a wheel chair and at the same time walking a dog. I then went to look at the The Queen's Head site. I've re-read the article and I think it must mean that the council owned land freed up by the Carroll Centre will provide 30 new homes and not council owned land next to the Queens Head. I Please correct me if I'm wrong. The article doesn't make clear how much of the land adjacent to the Carroll Centre would be taken for new housing. Certainly it seems unlikely that the present Centre as it is, plus the Scouts hut, plus as it states, 5 court sports hall, 80 place car park and all that the Carroll Centre presently offers could fit into the Queen's Head site! Further, I see that it is proposed that houses in other areas of Stanmore be pulled down to erect new ones to in-fill more space and provide more housing/ I myself live in Lower Stanmore and see that the proposed areas are Cromwell Road, Kings Walk, Stanmore Lane. This is the oldest part of Stanmore and has an architectural identity which will be destroyed if houses are to be pulled down and new building put it in their place. Mr Scott says people don't like change. People do like change if it is for the better. Mr. Scott also says that this new building will give a chance for Stanmore's young to stay in the area. All I can is "if only." With a very large waiting list for social housing in Winchester and the present benefit caps, I think it might be very difficult to think about housing future children of present Stanmore occupants.Winchester73

I was in Sainsburys shopping when my eye fell on the article in the Hampshire Chronicle regarding the Carroll Centre. I don't know the Centre, so I went to have a look at it. I saw that it has a good sized amenity plot next to it with football pitch and table tennis. I could see it must be great for children. I saw someone being pushed across the green in a wheel chair and at the same time walking a dog. I then went to look at the The Queen's Head site. I've re-read the article and I think it must mean that the council owned land freed up by the Carroll Centre will provide 30 new homes and not council owned land next to the Queens Head. I Please correct me if I'm wrong. The article doesn't make clear how much of the land adjacent to the Carroll Centre would be taken for new housing. Certainly it seems unlikely that the present Centre as it is, plus the Scouts hut, plus as it states, 5 court sports hall, 80 place car park and all that the Carroll Centre presently offers could fit into the Queen's Head site! Further, I see that it is proposed that houses in other areas of Stanmore be pulled down to erect new ones to in-fill more space and provide more housing/ I myself live in Lower Stanmore and see that the proposed areas are Cromwell Road, Kings Walk, Stanmore Lane. This is the oldest part of Stanmore and has an architectural identity which will be destroyed if houses are to be pulled down and new building put it in their place. Mr Scott says people don't like change. People do like change if it is for the better. Mr. Scott also says that this new building will give a chance for Stanmore's young to stay in the area. All I can is "if only." With a very large waiting list for social housing in Winchester and the present benefit caps, I think it might be very difficult to think about housing future children of present Stanmore occupants.

Score: 0

angry girl
10:22pm Tue 5 Mar 13

After reading about the proposed plans for various sites in Stanmore. I would really like to know who has had these ideas. I am sorry to hear that Stanmore is thought to be amongst the poorest 30 estates in the country. I have lived here over 50 years, I wouldn't have said we were amongst the poorest estates, not as far as the original Stanmore Community goes. What has caused the loss of community spirit though is the amount of houses that have been allowed to be brought up on the estate for students to live in, it seems this is now the Stanmore Student Campus. There would have been plenty of homes for families on the estate if this hadn't been allowed.
The loss of both estate pubs, didn't help either. The Stanmore Hotel was allowed to be sold and demolished and a Care Home built in its place. Although it is designed well, it was not really a suitable place to be built, near to the busy Romsey Road and if you come down onto the estate from the top of Stanmore Lane now, you will notice the amount of parked cars on the pavement opposite, making it awkward to travel both up and down the lane.
The plans are now to take the kids playing field away in Somers Close, where they can go and kick a ball around, play in the park, play table tennis for free, in the summer we have party in the park which attracts a lot of residents and visitors to the estate. On the TV daily we here that kids today aren't exercising enough, they are on their games consoles to much and will probably end up being obese, yet the council wants to build on the land. Nature walks may sound nice but kids want to kick a ball about. If you take this away from them, then the kids will have nothing to do, they will just hang around the streets, outside the shops. Although the plans are to relocate the Carroll Youth Centre to land where the New Queens Head is situated, and additional facilities added, these will cost money to attend and in todays current climate many families are struggling to pay bills, they need free facilities for their children.
So now the Council wants to look as if they are doing us a favour with their plans of these new homes they are planning to build throughout Stanmore, even if it means demolishing 77 perfectly good homes, taking away peoples allotments and taking away free facilities at kids playing fields.

After reading about the proposed plans for various sites in Stanmore. I would really like to know who has had these ideas. I am sorry to hear that Stanmore is thought to be amongst the poorest 30 estates in the country. I have lived here over 50 years, I wouldn't have said we were amongst the poorest estates, not as far as the original Stanmore Community goes. What has caused the loss of community spirit though is the amount of houses that have been allowed to be brought up on the estate for students to live in, it seems this is now the Stanmore Student Campus. There would have been plenty of homes for families on the estate if this hadn't been allowed.
The loss of both estate pubs, didn't help either. The Stanmore Hotel was allowed to be sold and demolished and a Care Home built in its place. Although it is designed well, it was not really a suitable place to be built, near to the busy Romsey Road and if you come down onto the estate from the top of Stanmore Lane now, you will notice the amount of parked cars on the pavement opposite, making it awkward to travel both up and down the lane.
The plans are now to take the kids playing field away in Somers Close, where they can go and kick a ball around, play in the park, play table tennis for free, in the summer we have party in the park which attracts a lot of residents and visitors to the estate. On the TV daily we here that kids today aren't exercising enough, they are on their games consoles to much and will probably end up being obese, yet the council wants to build on the land. Nature walks may sound nice but kids want to kick a ball about. If you take this away from them, then the kids will have nothing to do, they will just hang around the streets, outside the shops. Although the plans are to relocate the Carroll Youth Centre to land where the New Queens Head is situated, and additional facilities added, these will cost money to attend and in todays current climate many families are struggling to pay bills, they need free facilities for their children.
So now the Council wants to look as if they are doing us a favour with their plans of these new homes they are planning to build throughout Stanmore, even if it means demolishing 77 perfectly good homes, taking away peoples allotments and taking away free facilities at kids playing fields.angry girl

After reading about the proposed plans for various sites in Stanmore. I would really like to know who has had these ideas. I am sorry to hear that Stanmore is thought to be amongst the poorest 30 estates in the country. I have lived here over 50 years, I wouldn't have said we were amongst the poorest estates, not as far as the original Stanmore Community goes. What has caused the loss of community spirit though is the amount of houses that have been allowed to be brought up on the estate for students to live in, it seems this is now the Stanmore Student Campus. There would have been plenty of homes for families on the estate if this hadn't been allowed.
The loss of both estate pubs, didn't help either. The Stanmore Hotel was allowed to be sold and demolished and a Care Home built in its place. Although it is designed well, it was not really a suitable place to be built, near to the busy Romsey Road and if you come down onto the estate from the top of Stanmore Lane now, you will notice the amount of parked cars on the pavement opposite, making it awkward to travel both up and down the lane.
The plans are now to take the kids playing field away in Somers Close, where they can go and kick a ball around, play in the park, play table tennis for free, in the summer we have party in the park which attracts a lot of residents and visitors to the estate. On the TV daily we here that kids today aren't exercising enough, they are on their games consoles to much and will probably end up being obese, yet the council wants to build on the land. Nature walks may sound nice but kids want to kick a ball about. If you take this away from them, then the kids will have nothing to do, they will just hang around the streets, outside the shops. Although the plans are to relocate the Carroll Youth Centre to land where the New Queens Head is situated, and additional facilities added, these will cost money to attend and in todays current climate many families are struggling to pay bills, they need free facilities for their children.
So now the Council wants to look as if they are doing us a favour with their plans of these new homes they are planning to build throughout Stanmore, even if it means demolishing 77 perfectly good homes, taking away peoples allotments and taking away free facilities at kids playing fields.

Score: 0

JoLovegrove
10:46am Thu 7 Mar 13

More information is required...my biggest concern is how the hell they would fit in 200 more homes in Wavell Way alone as stated in the article above! Even with the demolition of existing homes I can't see how they would fit them in. Wavell Way is not overcrowded...and is probably one of the nicer roads in Stanmore with it's green verges. I'm all for more homes in Winchester...especia
lly as so many were sold off by the Conservatives and are now occupied by Students who cause all sorts of disruption to the other residents...but 200 new homes in Wavell Way, please someone tell me where?!!!

More information is required...my biggest concern is how the hell they would fit in 200 more homes in Wavell Way alone as stated in the article above! Even with the demolition of existing homes I can't see how they would fit them in. Wavell Way is not overcrowded...and is probably one of the nicer roads in Stanmore with it's green verges. I'm all for more homes in Winchester...especia
lly as so many were sold off by the Conservatives and are now occupied by Students who cause all sorts of disruption to the other residents...but 200 new homes in Wavell Way, please someone tell me where?!!!JoLovegrove

More information is required...my biggest concern is how the hell they would fit in 200 more homes in Wavell Way alone as stated in the article above! Even with the demolition of existing homes I can't see how they would fit them in. Wavell Way is not overcrowded...and is probably one of the nicer roads in Stanmore with it's green verges. I'm all for more homes in Winchester...especia
lly as so many were sold off by the Conservatives and are now occupied by Students who cause all sorts of disruption to the other residents...but 200 new homes in Wavell Way, please someone tell me where?!!!

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